High Performance
14 CFR 61.31(f) presently defines a high-performance airplane as an airplane with
“AN ENGINE of MORE THAN 200 horsepower”.
The emphasis is on the engine, not the airplane. The engine must exceed 200 hp, not just meet it. This means that aircraft having an engine of only 200 hp do not qualify under this definition.
In order to join the ranks of qualified pilots flying Bonanzas, Cessna 182’s, Cirrus, and other high-performance airplanes, you will need to receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane, and have been proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane.
Once you’ve met these requirements, your instructor will provide you a one-time endorsement that might appear like the following from AC 61-65:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), (pilot certificate), (certificate number), has received the required training of § 61.31(f) in a (make and model of high performance airplane). I have determined that he/she is proficient in the operation and systems of a high performance airplane.
S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00
High Performance Endorsement
High Performance Aircraft – aviation regulations require pilots to have a high-performance airplane endorsement in order to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of a high-performance airplane. Any airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower is considered “high-performance.” An airplane with a 200-horsepower engine does not qualify. On a multiengine airplane, the engines are evaluated individually (horsepower ratings are not added together).
This one-time logbook endorsement can be earned through ground and flight training. The FAA does not require a special check-ride or knowledge test to earn the endorsement. A flight instructor gives you the endorsement after you have received training and have been found proficient. Note: Pilots who logged PIC time in high-performance airplanes prior to 8/4/97 are grandfathered in and don’t need the endorsement.
14 CFR 61.31(f): Additional training required for operating high-performance airplanes
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane (an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower), unless the person has–
(i) Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane, and has been found proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane; and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot’s logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is proficient to operate a high-performance airplane.
(2) The training and endorsement required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section is not required if the person has logged flight time as a pilot in command of a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane prior to August 4, 1997.
High-Performance Endorsement Ground Training
Ground instruction for the high-performance endorsement is focused on aircraft systems and best practices for flying high-performance aircraft. Pilots will learn about the additional planning, judgment, and skills required to operate these aircraft. Special emphasis will be placed on calculating performance and weight & balance. Aeromedical factors and high altitude operations will be reviewed.
High-Performance Endorsement Flight Training
High-performance flight training helps a pilot transition to an aircraft that likely has faster operating speeds, better climb rates, improved takeoff and landing performance, and more complicated systems than the pilot is used to. Pilots will become familiar with the handling characteristics and operating procedures for the high-performance airplane. Training is designed to teach the pilot how to “stay ahead of the airplane” in all phases of flight.
The FAA does not specify a time requirement to earn the high-performance endorsement. Sometimes insurance companies set minimum flight time requirements in order to act as PIC of a high-performance airplane (but not to receive the endorsement itself).
High-performance aircraft training takes an average of 5 – 10 flight hours depending on a candidate’s flight experience and the type of aircraft used. High-performance training may be combined with complex airplane training if the aircraft meets both definitions.
Overall Cost of High-Performance Airplane Training
Each customer is unique, so overall cost of earning a high-performance endorsement will vary. Training cost is directly tied to completion time because instruction and aircraft rental are billed by the hour. Group does not offer fixed-price “guaranteed” training programs.
A candidate utilizing the Bellanca Super Viking for high-performance airplane training should budget $1,500 to $2,000 to earn the endorsement. We also provide training in customer-owned aircraft. Several companies and organizations offer flight training scholarships. Financing is available to qualified customers through Pilot Finance and other companies offering aviation loans.
How to Get Started in Earning your High-Performance Endorsement
You can start earning your high-performance airplane endorsement with Jet Air Group as soon as it’s convenient for you. Please contact us if you’d like to make an appointment to meet with an instructor. We can help you obtain training materials and set up a schedule. Getting started is easy
14 CFR 61.31(f)
Additional training required for operating high-performance airplanes.
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane (an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower), unless the person has–
(i) Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane, and has been found proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane; and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot’s logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is proficient to operate a high-performance airplane.
(2) The training and endorsement required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section is not required if the person has logged flight time as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane prior to August 4, 1997.
A complex airplane is defined by 14 CFR 61.31(e) as an airplane that has the following:
Retractable landing gear
Flaps
Controllable pitch propeller
Solo requirements:
Be at least 16 years of age (14 for glider or balloon)
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Demonarounds
Limitations while flying solo:
May not carry passengers
May not fly for hire or in furtherance of a business.
May not fly in other than VMC or above clouds when visual reference cannot be made to the surface.
May not fly in contrary to limitations placed in logbook by instructor.